Identification. LCM clearly identifies those who belong to Christ. (Acts 2:47)
Distinction. LCM clearly distinguishes those who believe from those who do not. (2 Cor 1:1)
Affirmation. LCM provides affirmation of faith for the individual believer from the larger body of Christ. (2 Cor 2:5-11)
Sanctification. LCM is a God-given means to keep us pursuing holiness through mutual accountability. (Matt 18:15-17)
Edification. LCM provides the context to exercise our spiritual gifts for the good of one another. (Eph 4:11-16)
Application. LCM is how to put into practice NT church life. (Heb 13:17)
Global/Local Relation. Membership in Christ’s global church does not negate LCM, rather LCM expresses one’s allegiance to Christ through allegiance to His local church. (1 Cor 1:2)
Those were some of Paul's words to Timothy. This past Sunday, our church began an expository study of 1 Peter. I spent two-thirds of the sermon (30 min) giving an overview of the purpose and two of the main themes of the book; suffering and...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Have you ever heard someone reason, “I am part of Christ’s church. I don’t have to be a member of a local church” or “I don’t see membership classes or covenants in the Bible. I don’t have to do those...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
I have a confession to make. I’m never gonna make it as a “cool” pastor in regard to what seems to be “cool” in today’s culture. There are several reasons why. First, I simply can’t wear skinny jeans....[ abbreviated | read entire ]
This past Sunday, I began a teaching series at CEFC through the book of Colossians. We are excited about this journey together, especially with the theme of our study being "In All Things, Christ Supreme!" (Col 1:18) Part of the introductory...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Yesterday, Clovis Evangelical Free Church held an “Installation Service” to officially call and recognize me as their new Teaching Pastor. I had never been “installed” before and really did not know what to expect. I...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
This subject has risen in the news in recent days due to Pope Benedict’s announcement that he was placing his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, on the fast track to sainthood. As soon as all the qualifications have been verified, John Paul II...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
I strongly recommend the following two sermons to you. Dr. Sinclair Ferguson’s message on Luke 16:1-9, “The Strangest Parable Ever?” This text has always alluded me. I remember sitting in a homiletics class in seminary, and...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
In recent political news, the Attorney General of Connecticut Richard Blumenthal came under fire for making statements throughout his career about his service in Vietnam. As it turns out, he was never in Vietnam. Blumenthal’s response was...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
I really appreciate the effort. There are some good statements, reminders, and exhortations in the document. In the end, however, I’m left wondering what it will accomplish? The following are my thoughts as I read through the 26 page...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
